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A financially troubled wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.